Hey there! I’m Victoria, a 34-year-old mum to two energetic boys who keep me on my toes—and I recently gave birth to my third baby: Little SOHLS! After 15 years of navigating the creative and advertising worlds, I traded my 9-5 for the exciting rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. Little SOHLS is my new venture, offering flexible, durable, and oh-so-practical toddler shoes designed for little adventurers taking their first steps and beyond. Life is currently a whirlwind of nappies, business, and family, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east?
I have lived in Sydney’s east for the last 13 years, moving here from across the bridge and never looking back! I met my husband who was born and raised in Bondi, and now we are raising our own little family here.
Three words that describe what it’s like to live in the eastern suburbs?
Vibrant, Beautiful, Lucky.
How many children?
2 boys, Theo – 3.5 years, and Nico 12 months
Favourite Park?
Our new favourite has to be the newly renovated Waverly Park Playground. Both my boys absolutely love the water play area, as well as the amazing swings perfect for both ages!
Favourite Beach?
Bondi (Duh!), but I think Neilson Park comes a close second and we are counting down the days until it’s opened back up again!
Favourite kids friendly cafe?
I would have to say SHUK as it’s only a few minutes from our place. Out the back is amazing for kids as we are able to have them in the gated section with their toys and chalk and we can actually relax!
Favourite Coffee Spot?
SO many, basically anywhere in Bondi, but our daily coffees are from Sonoma in Rosebay after the daycare drop off, and SHUK. We also love The Bakery on Glenayr – the best coffee and BEST croissants!
Favourite date night place?
It’s been awhile since we’ve had one of those thanks to our 12 month old haha! But we can’t go past Lola’s Italian and Bar in Bondi – such a vibe and amazing food!
Where in the east have you yet to explore and would like to go?
La Perouse! My husband knew it well growing up, so would love to take my boys there more and continue the tradition (and word is the Snake Man is still around on weekends!)
What would you like to see improve in the eastern suburbs?
I recently drove across the bridge (I know, gasp!), to an amazing service for parents with babies and young children – BubbaDesk. It’s a coworking service with onsite childcare, and you can take your baby and the team look after them based on your own routine, whilst you work in the coworking space.
It was my first introduction back into work life with a baby under 12 months and I could not have wished for a better experience! I’ve heard a rumour that they’re planning an eastern suburbs location, and that they’re inviting people to register their interest now. https://bubbadesk.com/register-interest/
Favourite Local Shop?
Commune Bondi – a beautiful shop hosting Furniture/Homewares/Fashion and curation of handmade products for the conscious consumer! I can not walk in there without walking out with something new!
Favourite wet weather location?
Coogee Pavilion – such a great play area out the back for kids) and food, coffee and drinks for mum.
Australian Museum – The Burra has to be one of the most amazing, free learning and play spaces for kids.
Vitaland Alexandria – An always winner!
PlayStudio Bondi Junction – Such amazing interactive classes which you can drop into casually!
Favourite Local family Weekend Activity?
Our go to is walking down to Bondi Markets on a Saturday to stock up on all of the beautiful fresh produce for the week ahead! That is often followed by a trip to park or beach and exploring our local surroundings!
Work or SAHM?
After 15 years immersed in the fast-paced world of creative and advertising, I’ve taken a bold leap to launch my own venture, Little SOHLS! Balancing the thrill of entrepreneurship with the flexibility of freelancing, I’m diving headfirst into this exciting new chapter while staying creatively engaged. So, while I’m not a traditional SAHM, I’m embracing a dynamic blend of business, freelancing, and mum life!
www.littlesohls.com.au
Motherly advice?
Everything is a phase, and nothing will last forever! So embrace the mess, and savor the moments, because time has never gone so fast before! And remember to ask for help. That village truly is a blessing!